Students search for tuxes, gowns as prom season begins

Price tag: High school prom to cost U.S. families $1,000 on average this year

Carlos Javier Sanchez — Sun-News
New America School senior Luis Loya, 19, picks up his prom tuxedo from Cindy Matkin, tuxedo manager at Friendly Flowers, on Thursday afternoon. New America's prom was Friday night, with more local high school bashes scheduled for today and later this month.

"It's hard to (pick) an odd order when I have camouflage vests and ties," she said while organizing orders Thursday.

The tuxedo manager at Friendly Flowers & Tuxedos has rented out more than 300 tuxes this month as local high school students prepare for prom.

New America School held prom last night, while Oñate and Centennial high schools host their bashes tonight. Local proms are also scheduled for April 26 and May 2.

Proms are a small boost for local stores like Friendly Flowers. Owner Marie Huffmyer has received about 300 orders for corsages and boutonnieres, priced at $25 each. Tuxedo rentals start at $60, but some students like Luis Moya are splurging on prom.

Friendly Flowers owner Marie Huffmyer prepares corsages for high school students attending prom this weekend. White roses are her most popular order, she said. (Carlos Javier Sanchez — Sun-News)

The New America senior rented a gray vest and bowtie to accompany his girlfriend Laura Martinez's teal dress.

"I'm excited," he said. "I'm not sure about people going. They don't think it's that cool. (But) I'm going all out."

Boys are particularly prepared this year, buying their tuxedos early and selecting high-quality fabric, Matkin said.

"The guys have really been outdoing themselves this year," she said. "They're going with better tuxes. They want to look really nice."

Creating Cinderellas

Students and their parents across the country are expected to spend nearly $1,000 on prom night this year, though that number is down 14 percent from last year, according to Visa's annual prom survey.

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The Cinderella Prom Dress Project aims to help relieve the financial burden of prom by offering free gowns to local high school students.

This year's event will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and April 19 at Piñon Hall on the New Mexico State University campus.

Each student can select a prom dress from more than 400 donated gowns.

Local stylists will also be available to give tips on hair and makeup.

Donate new or gently used dresses to La Tienda de Jardín, 335 Colonia Ave.

Student safety

Prom also brings with it worries about underage drinking and drunken driving.

"No matter how cool it may be to be like the other kids, it's illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol or even possess an alcoholic beverage," Las Cruces police spokesman Dan Trujillo said.

LCPD and the Doña Ana Sheriff's Office have sobriety checkpoints and patrols planned for the month of April to deter drunk driving.

Trujillo urged students to not use their cell phones while driving and to select a designated driver or call someone for a ride if they choose to drink.

"If you have to call parents, if you have to call a friend, please do so," he said.

Two boutonnieres sit ready for pickup at Friendly Flowers on Thursday. The store will sell more than 300 corsages and boutonnieres by the end of prom season in early May. (Carlos Javier Sanchez — Sun-News)

Fixed-cost taxi rides are also available on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. through Project Home, a venture between the county and Las Cruces Shuttle and Taxi. Rides are $5 for two people and $10 for four people. Call 575-524-TAXI to be picked up.

The After Party

High school students can also forgo the traditional alcohol-filled after party for good, clean fun.

Las Cruces' second annual "The After Party" will be 11:55 p.m. tonight to 4 a.m. Sunday at the Cineport 10 theater at the Mesilla Valley Mall.

The free event is open to all Doña Ana County high school students whether or not they're attending prom.

"The After Party" aims to discourage students from drinking or doing drugs by offering a night of current movie showings, video games on the big screen, a DJ, karaoke, an open mic, games, smoothies and snacks. Door prizes include two iPads and more than $300 in gift cards.

The Elks of Las Cruces and Students Against Destructive Decisions groups at local high schools organized the event.